The HUBER+SUHNER Group, which is active in the field of electrical and optical connectivity, recorded overall respectable results for the 2009 business year, despite the rather turbulent market environment. Although the business weakened markedly with a decline in net sales of 17% to around CHF 630 million and a drop in order intake of 14% to around CHF 649 million, both order intake and net sales during the second half of the year exceeded the corresponding levels of the first six months – contrary to the general trend. The company’s profitability also improved compared with the first half year of 2009, as the lower cost base had a positive impact on earning power already.
The situation in our markets showed a varied picture in the reporting period: On one hand a significant decline in the communication market and in the automotive segment and on the other hand, strong growth in the railway market, and a veritable boom in the area of solar technology. These market situations had the following effects on the individual divisions: Radio Frequency Division, with a larger share in the communication market, stabilized itself in the second half, albeit at a considerably lower level than in the previous year. Fiber Optics Division recorded a slight downturn in net sales; however, book to bill was positive. The Low Frequency Division succeeded in achieving the previous year’s high level of net sales as a result of an impressive final spurt – despite negative copper price and currency effects.
Overall, the strategy of balanced diversification, with three technologies in three main markets kept the Group on an even keel, in the face of a difficult environment.
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